Purpose of Position:
This class of positions encompasses professional and/or supervisory work of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility in the operation of an activity therapy department providing medical/psychiatric recreational therapeutic services, in conjunction with other members of the treatment team. All personnel perform related work.
Under supervision, with latitude for initiative and judgment, performs responsible therapeutic work of ordinary difficulty.
Examples of Typical Tasks:
1. Participates in planning and implementing a medical/psychiatric approved recreational program of individual and ward activities adapted to the needs, interest and capacities of patients.
2. Participates in meeting with treatment staff to coordinate effective patient care and participates as a member of a team, in patient groups.
3. Plans individualized schedules including activities of daily living, arts and therapy and socialization to meet specific needs of patients.
4. Teaches and leads recreational activities such as group and team games, arts and crafts, dances, gymnastics, art in therapy, poetry, simple forms of music and dramatics.
5. Directs learning experiences as part of care/treatment of patients to influence behavioral changes leading to increased experience and comprehension of self and environment.
6. Works with and may guide students from multi disciplines, volunteers and others assigned to the area of service.
7. Attends and contributes to department meetings, attends and conducts in-service training programs.
8. Works with private and public organizations to further recreational programs.
9. May co-lead or lead small group therapy and other discussion groups.
10. May co-lead community meetings with other members of various disciplines.
11. Communicates observations of patients in activity therapy to team.
12. Charts Activity Therapy Progress Notes.
13. Prepares periodic reports and keeps appropriate records.
14. Is responsible for maintaining and ordering of supplies and equipment for assigned unit.
